Military "seals borders" in Ivory Coast

Euronews

The armed forces in Ivory Coast are reported to have sealed the country’s borders and stopped foreign broadcasts, following the disputed presidential election.

Supporters of the challenger Alassane Ouattara were celebrating after the election commission declared him the winner.

But the immediate future of the West African country is uncertain after the Constitutional Council declared the decision illegal. Its head, an ally of President Laurent Gbagbo, said the deadline for announcing the results had passed.

Ouattara appeared at a news conference intent on taking power, but talking reconciliation.

“I reiterate my promise to form a unity government, bringing together all competent forces stemming from the different political movements, and our country’s civil society,” he said.

There are fears of further violence after several Ouattara supporters were reportedly shot dead by security forces.

Gbagbo’s party had tried to block the result, alleging fraud in northern Ouattara strongholds.

As UN peacekeepers continued to patrol Abidjan’s streets, the Security Council issued a veiled threat hinting at sanctions if the electoral process is thwarted.

The International Criminal Court says it will monitor acts of violence.